This bill amends the Nebraska Criminal Code to enhance penalties and definitions related to skimmer devices and organized retail crime. It establishes that the unauthorized installation of skimmer devices on banking and point-of-sale terminals is a Class IV felony, while the use of such devices incurs varying felony charges based on the value of the money or property obtained, ranging from Class IIA to Class II misdemeanors. The bill also introduces criteria for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise related to financial offenses, with penalties that escalate based on the scale of the operation. Additionally, organized retail crime is defined, with actions such as conspiring to commit these crimes and evading security measures specified as offenses, carrying tiered penalties based on the aggregated retail market value of the merchandise involved.

Moreover, the bill creates the Financial Fraud Victims' Reimbursement Fund, allowing victims of financial transaction offenses to apply for reimbursement from assets forfeited from these crimes. The Attorney General will determine eligibility and the extent of reimbursement, with provisions for pro rata distribution if the number of applicants exceeds available funds. The bill also mandates that any remaining funds in the Reimbursement Fund after a specified period will be remitted to the State Treasurer. Additionally, it repeals certain sections of existing law, specifically sections 28-618, 28-1601, 28-1602, and section 28-101 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to streamline the legal framework addressing these offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-101, 28-618, 28-1601, 28-1602
Final Reading: 28-101, 28-618, 28-1601, 28-1602
Slip Law: 28-101, 28-618, 28-1601, 28-1602